Key Senate Panel Approves Medi-Cal Expansion

SACRAMENTO -- A key Senate panel supported legislation Monday that would dramatically expand Medi-Cal, the state's public insurance program for the poor. The proposal, authored by state Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) and Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), is part of a legislative package that aims to help California implement President Obama's healthcare overhaul.

Beginning in January 2014, the federal Affordable Care Act requires most Americans to buy health insurance or pay a penalty. Gov. Jerry Brown has called a special session of the Legislature so that healthcare bills he signs can take effect within 90 days rather than next year.

Read the full story: http://lat.ms/YR3W44

Source: Los Angeles Times